Remembering Memorial Day

Not just a day off...but a day to be thankful.

STUDY

Finals are next week and the girls are going at it. They just got their state mandated TAKS test back and of course Ruth missed only 1 in math and 4 in reading, and perfect score in writing. She says she does not even remember what she wrote about. On the scale, she is and always has been way above the average. This is why Duke University brought her into their TIPS program at the University in 3rd grade....and yes, she has been in the gifted program since kindergarten. If only she would study without me reminding her constantly, but maybe she already knows it.

Then there is Sara. Considering all, she did very well. She still has a hard time on the math word problems since there are many words she still does not get. That child is driven to perfection! One of her teachers called her an over-achiever when Sara had only a 95 in the class and she asked for extra credit to bring it up.....that's Sara

Happy birthday son

Today is my son Bryan Christian's 27th birthday. Bryan died when he was 1 day old. Hard to believe it has been so long ago and sometimes it still seems like yesterday. The sadness is always there, just under the happiness, but it is there.

Though it was only for a day that I had him, I also had him for 8 months before and he always be my first born.

and the big wind blew . .

It is Tuesday night, a few days after Joplin, MO. and we hear that once again, we are heading into the weather fight. I prepare the storm room, under the stairs, and as I do, I think of all those who have had to go through this lately, and those who did not make it. I know that if one of "those" tornadoes makes it here, we are a goner since we have no basement. This is mostly for security and I will look into ways to secure the room better, but not tonight.

It was a scarry night and there were at least 9 tornadoes, luckily small, that hit north and south of us. Thank God we made it again. I have been in a direct hit by a tornado so I have great respect. As a child growing up in Mo in tornado alley, I have seen this destruction in person and it is something you never forget.

Take time and think what is your safest room and make a plan and make sure the kids are up on it.....what will you take, make sure you have shoes on, and something I heard new which was put the bicycle helmets on the kids. Have blankets and pillows to crawl under, flash lights, cell phones, meds......you get the point. Oh yea, remember that you animals are also looking for help...take them with you too.

POCKET PETS?

Sara has taken to carrying around the dog Jessie and cat Puff around in her soccer backpack until I notice. As you can see, the cat was having nothing to do with it. Jessie is laid back so he is OK. Note~she did not even try this with Cooper.....good choice.

Puppy Love

...do I really need to say anything?